pool pool / po͞ol noun 1. a pond or other small body of still water, usually fresh I do not want a friend who smiles when I smile, who weeps when I weep; for my shadow in the pool can do better than that. Confucius, 551 BC – 479 BC 2. a puddle; a small collection of liquid gathered or spilled on a surface Standing pools gather filth. German Proverb... Read More

criticism crit-i-cism /  krĭt-ĭ-sĭz-əm noun 1. the act of expressing disapproval based on perceived flaws or mistakes; censure Criticism is a study by which men grow important and formidable at very small expense.  Samuel Johnson, 1709 – 1784 2. a comment expressing disapproval, fault or judgement based on perception Criticism is something you can avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.  American Proverb... Read More

plant plant / plănt verb 1.  to put a seed in the ground for growth He who plants a garden plants happiness.  German Proverb 2.  to sow with seeds or trees, shrubs, etc. If you want to be happy for a year, plant a garden; if you want to be happy for life, plant a tree.  English Proverb 3.  to place deeply in the ground or some... Read More

complacence com-pla-cence / kəm-plā-səns noun 1. satisfaction, particularly self satisfaction Often would self-complacence spread Harmonious halos round my head; And all my being own’d awhile The warm diffusion of her smile. From “The Lay Of Marie” by Matilda Betham, 1776 – 1852 2. lack of care or concern The enrichment of Colonel Byrd, even by ways that were devious, was viewed with complacence by his neighbors so long... Read More

protest pro-test / prə-tĕst, prō-tĕst , prō-tĕst noun 1. a public gathering or march for people to express their opposition to something What makes America great is peaceful protests and exercising your constitutional rights. Matthew Dowd, 1961 – 2. an explicit, public announcement of opinion and usually of disagreement Sarcasm is the protest of the weak. John Knowles. 1926 – 2001 3. the act of making a strong objection... Read More

firework fire-work / fīr-wûrk noun 1.  an explosive device, for entertainment purposes, designed to produce sparks, colored lights and noise There was a young man of Herne Bay who was making some fireworks one day: but he dropped his cigar in the gunpowder jar. There was a young man of Herne Bay. Ogden Nash, 1902 – 1971 2.  (fireworks) a showy display of colored lights and noises created... Read More

patriot pa-tri-ot / pā-trē-ət, pā-trē-ŏt noun 1. one who loves and defends his country and supports its way of life Liberty is a constant battle between government; who would limit it, people; who would concede it, and patriots; who would defend it.  Samuel R. Young, Jr., ? etymology Derived from the ancient Greek noun patriotes (fellow countryman). Thanks to Allen Ward for providing this etymology.

realization re-al-i-za-tion / rē-ə-lĭ-zā-shən noun 1. the act of fully comprehending, an awareness, an understanding With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world. Dalai Lama, 1935 – 2. something that comes to fruition and is actual and real The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1882 – 1945 etymology... Read More

hone hone / hōn noun 1. a fine whetstone used to sharpen cutting tools The knife should be sharpened from time to time on the stone or hone.  From “The Book of Sports” by William Martin. 1950 – 2. a tool used to enlarge holes to an exact dimension In the automotive industry, for example, cylinder hones are often utilised for creating an effective surface finish... Read More

earn earn / ûrn verb 1. to gain or to get something through work or service You cannot stay out of trouble by spending more than you earn.  Abraham Lincoln 1809-1865 2. to acquire or deserve through effort or action Unwilling service earns no thanks.  Danish Proverb 3. to gain a return on investment If you need to put your money in a safe and secure place and you... Read More